Synopsis

Who is Saint Nicholas? Who is Santa Claus? How are the two related? This book looks at the history of the legends of St. Nicholas and how he evolved in America to Santa Claus.

Primarily, this book seeks to point out the anti-Christian message of St. Nick/Santa Claus. Christmas is a celebration of the Lord of the universe coming to earth to take our place in death to pay for our sins. Scripture records that our salvation is “by faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast.” Meanwhile, Santa waddles onto the Yuletide scene by warning children that they better be good, or they will not get any presents.

Throughout the ages St. Nick has been used as a political pawn, as a spokesperson for a particular product or service and as a model of what the Church and any well-meaning Christian must do for others. However, St. Nicholas of legend is recorded as uttering legalistic advice to those he meets. He never comforts or assures with the rich Gospel message, nor does he give glory to God for any “miracles” he performs.

This book sets out to teach parents about the truth of this jolly elf. In educating parents, the message may help them determine to what extent they play the “Santa game” with their children.

Like Virginia O’Hanlon, we live in a cynical age. Santa has lost much of his luster. In the movies we have a serial-killer Santa and Santa´s that curse and swear. We see Santas that are impatient with the young charges who come to sit on their lap and request their presents. Tim Burton’s T’was the Nightmare Before Christmas portrays a Santa who scares and frightens young children.

On college campuses and in many workplaces, A Visit From Saint Nicholas is reworked and reworded to portray an alcoholic oaf who barges in on Christmas Eve.

In song, Santa´s uncontrollable reindeer run down grandma. Teenagers rework Rudolph the red-nose reindeer as—surprise-an alcoholic. Regional groups often have humorous songs at Santa’s expense that often put the jolly elf in a bad light.

The legends and myths of Santa are seen as fraudulent. The expectations of the elf for us “mortals” are seen as unapproachable. The promises and threats are seen as empty and hollow. The cynicism of this caricature is certainly in place.